There’s a new option in the online fundraising world that’s going to make giving so convenient because it’s right in your Facebook feed. Yes, it’s true! Facebook has added the capability for any user to start a personal fundraiser on Facebook for themselves, a friend, or even an event or person who’s not on Facebook.
To start your own fundraiser, go to the Facebook Fundraisers page, or tap the menu icon and select Fundraisers on the mobile app. (You don’t even need to update the app; it’s just magically there. Facebook, you get us.)
Click or tap on the blue box that says Raise Money to get started. You can’t miss it. Then, customize a message about why you’re raising money, select your privacy settings, and pick the category you’re raising for. It could be anything from sports teams to pet medical expenses to house fires or natural disaster response. And if you don’t see the category that fits, you can also create your own.
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So, let’s talk about the fees. Once you’ve finalized your details, Facebook will review the fundraiser before it goes live which takes about 24 hours. For personal fundraisers, Facebook keeps $.30 + a 6.9% fee to cover their costs for vetting, processing, and fraud protection. Non-profits pay slightly less. (For comparison: GoFundMe keeps $.30 + 7.9%, and CrowdRise directs its users to GoFundMe for personal fundraisers.)
If it’s for your own personal cause, you’ll receive weekly payments once you link your bank account. If the beneficiary is a non-profit, they’ll receive their money from Facebook, or their Network for Good.
Simply clicking to donate in a friends’ Facebook feed is going to be so easy, and it could mean big results for your fundraising efforts. Social media tends to get a bad rap, but this is a great example of tech doing good things for people.
I had started a fundraiser a few days ago and it up and running changed a few words went back for approval now has ended and was totally changed to donating by birthday Can’t restart
If you use this tool will you later be able to download those kind enough to make donations? I want to create a fundraiser for my high school, but would love to be able to capture the information of each donor so they could be recognized in our newsletter.
Charles, great question! For the donors who opt in, you’ll receive their contact info.
How long does it take to receive the money donated? My event is Saturday and I cannot figure out how to redeem the donations to get the supplies I need.. thank you!
Amber, their terms mention that they pay individuals weekly, but if it’s for a 501(c)3 then their payment plan is different. You’ll need to contact them directly to figure out how to get the money to you though. Sorry!
I have done a fund raiser via this site for my uncles funeral services. We reached our goal this morning. But it will not let me cash out. When can I collect the funds?
Hi Carrissa, check the FAQs on Facebook and you’ll see this, plus more important info:
You’ll receive eligible payments from your fundraiser 7 days after a donation is received.
https://www.facebook.com/help/1348270451957092
So far, my fundraiser ending in end of january hasn’t contacted Gliding Stars with the donation. How do I check on that?
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Eds: Fundraising has a pretty good database for FAQ on the site: https://www.facebook.com/help/1348270451957092